Discover Oman

Discover Oman

327 Views
8 Days From

$3545

$2836

Discover Oman

8 Days Starting and ending in Muscat

Visiting: Muscat, Ras al Hadd, Wahiba Sands, Nizwa, Jebel Shams

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

ELSO

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $3545 $2836 Operator discount: -$709 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Adventure from portside Muscat and Muttrah into the heart of Oman's richly coloured past. Discover the awesome Islamic forts, age-old mud-brick houses, and silver- and spice-filled souqs that make this Middle Eastern jewel such a feast for the senses. The treasures aren't all man-made: trip to the blazing remote landscapes of Wahiba Sands for a desert getaway with the Bedouins, and soak up breathtaking canyon views at Jebel Shams and Wadi Bani Awf before returning to the seaside capital.

Highlights

  • Experience some traditional Omani hospitality with a one-night camping getaway under the stars in Wahiba Sands

  • Discover Oman's most phenomenal fortresses and mosques, including the beautifully preserved Jabrin Fort

  • Explore the busy fishing harbour of Muttrah and mine the bustling souq for hidden treasures – anything from unique silverware to frankincense

  • For a capital city, Muscat sure packs a lot of charm. Explore the tranquil waterfront and visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

  • Stand on top of Oman, with the vast Grand Canyon at your feet and take the scenic route down through the mountains to Muscat.

  • Walk through remote villages, tucked between mountains and at the bottom of valleys, lush with date palms and full of friendly locals, enjoy a visit to a local bee keeper and a hearty home-cooked Omani lunch.

  • Scramble to the top of the Wahiba Sands dunes for incredible sunset and sunrise views, and experience traditional Omani hospitality over coffee and dates with a Bedouin family.

  • Discover Oman's most phenomenal castles and mosques with guided visits to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Jabreen Castle.

  • Step back in time with a night in Nizwa, staying in a heritage property in the heart of the old town, and stroll the souq for souvenirs.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Muscat

Location: Muscat

Accommodation: Hotel

Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Oman and the sprawling seaside city of Muscat. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm today. If you arrive with time to spare you may like to visit the Royal Opera House, a grand building that encapsulates contemporary Omani architectural style, or take a walk along the beach, dipping your toes in the Gulf of Oman. After the welcome meeting perhaps join your group at a nearby restaurant, serving up Omani favourites like shuwa, fresh salads and local breads.

Day 2: Muscat

Location: Muscat

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Begin your explorations with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. The largest mosque in Oman, it has capacity for 20,000 worshippers and the second largest carpet in the world, handwoven by Iranian women, taking four years to produce. Your next stop is the old part of Muscat, where you'll see the two 16th century Portuguese forts, Jalali and Mirani, guarding the entrance to the city. Drive down to the busy fishing harbour at Muttrah, with its wooden dhows and fishing boats, stop at the bazaar (souq) where you can pick up a local perfume or postcard. Visit the Sidab Women's Group and learn how they're empowering local women through the production and sale of reusable bags. After learning about the organisation, enjoy a selection of salads, sambusas and stews, cooked for you by our welcoming hosts. Your afternoon is then free to spend as you wish. An optional sunset cruise provides a spectacular viewpoint for the rocky coastline of the city.

Included Activities:
-Muscat - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
-Muscat - Sidab Women's Group visit with lunch

Optional Activities:
-Muscat - Sunset Cruise in Muscat Harbour (appx 2 hours including transfers)

Day 3: Ras Al Hadd

Location: Ras al Hadd

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Drive through Oman's rugged landscapes to Hawiyat Najim Park, the location of the Bimmah Sinkhole. This picture-perfect sinkhole was formed through limestone erosion. The turquoise waters make an excellent stop to paddle the feet before travelling onwards. Your next stop, Wadi Tiwi, is known as the wadi of nine villages, with each community linked by date plantations and the flow of water through their falaj system. Spend time learning about dates, how they're grown and harvested, and their importance in Omani hospitality, and stretch your legs on a short, downhill walk through these communities. Continue driving to Ras al Hadd and check into your beachside resort where you'll be able to enjoy a lovely relaxed evening at the property.

Included Activities:
-Hawiyat Najim Park - Bimmah Sinkhole
-Wadi Tiwi - Visit

Day 4: Wahiba Sands

Location: Wahiba Sands

Accommodation: Desert Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

After breakfast, we make a stop in Sur, an important city of Oman's maritime past. Sur has long been known for its tradition of dhow building. These mighty vessels formed an important part of Omani culture and trade over the years. Visit a dhow factory to see how they are built and be joined by a local worker who will explain the making of the dhow, the materials used and the time taken to built the vessel. Drive through the Eastern Hajar Mountains, enjoying incredible views of villages embedded in the mountains as you take this winding road to the peaceful Wadi Bani Khalid. Cool off with a swim in the wadi, surrounded by palm trees and mountains. Drive onwards to the beautiful Wahiba Sands, where you'll spend the night. Rolling dunes, some as high as 150 metres, stretch as far as the eye can see and are constantly shifting. Sunset from atop a dune is a must. After dinner back at the camp, relax under the stars with music, tea and maybe even some dancing.

Included Activities:
-Wadi Bani Khalid - Visit and swim stop
-Wahiba Sands – Desert dune sunset
-Sur - Dhow factory visit

Day 5: Nizwa

Location: Nizwa

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

If you're a morning person, you have the option to climb the dunes and enjoy watching them change colour as the sun rises over them. Otherwise, enjoy a relaxed start to the day before driving further into the dunes to visit a Bedouin family. Wahiba Sands is named after the Wahiba tribe and the region is home to families that have lived and worked in the area for generations. Enjoy coffee, dates and a chat with our welcoming hosts. Leaving the desert behind, make tracks for Nizwa. On the outskirts of the city, visit Jabreen Castle, considered one of the finest and most picturesque in the country. Built in 1675, this cleverly designed residence was home to Imam Bil-Arab Bin Sultan and many subsequent generations. A local guide will share the castle's secrets and expansive viewpoints with you. It's just a short drive to Nizwa, where you'll spend the night in the old town, staying in a heritage property. Enjoy a free evening to explore the old town or relax at a rooftop cafe with a cool drink.

Included Activities:
-Nizwa - Jabreen Castle
-Wahiba Sands - Bedouin family visit

Day 6: Jebel Shams

Location: Jebel Shams

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Take a walk with your leader through the labyrinthine streets of Nizwa's old town this morning, before exploring the souq and its various specialty areas for halwa, vegetables, spices, ceramics. You'll have some free time during which you might like to visit Nizwa Fort. With a massive circular cannon tower and built to withstand the vibrations of 24 cannons, it's one of the most impressive forts in Oman. Depart Nizwa for Misfat Al Abyreen, a mountain village located 1000m above sea level and recognised by UNWTO as one of the world's best tourism villages for its preservation of Omani culture. Walk through the village and see how their agricultural and irrigation systems are as productive as they were centuries ago. Visit a local beekeeper and find out about their bees and the ways they produce different types of honey - with some sampling too, of course! Then enjoy a home-cooked Omani feast with your host for lunch. Omani people are famous for their hospitality and you’ll get to try some exciting home-cooked flavors including Qabuli (Omani spiced rice with either goat/fish/chicken), hummus, Omani bread (Kubz Al Rakhal) with local honey, Omani coffee and tea with dates, etc. Carry on your journey higher into the mountains to Jebel Shams, which translates as 'Mountain of the Sun'. Check into your hotel before heading out to take in the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and, weather allowing, a brilliant sunset.

Included Activities:
-Misfat Al Abyreen - Village walk & beekeeper visit
-Nizwa - Souq visit
-Misfat Al Abyreen - Home-cooked lunch

Optional Activities:
-Nizwa - Fort visit - Entry Fee

Day 7: Muscat

Location: Muscat

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

An early morning hike is on offer today. The balcony walk follows the Grand Canyon, so you can expect epic views as you walk. After breakfast at your hotel, settle in for a memorable drive to Wadi Bani Awf, the end point of the canyon and known as Snake Gorge. Break up the drive with a walk through Bilad Sait, a remote fortress village in the heart of the mountains, lush with palm trees. After leaving the mountains, you'll drive back to Muscat, arriving in the late afternoon. The evening is free to spend as you wish, perhaps gather your group together for a meal to celebrate your adventure.

Included Activities:
-Jebel Shams - Grand Canyon scenic drive
-Bilad Sait - Fortress villlage visit
-Jebel Shams - Balcony walk (1 hour)

Day 8: Muscat

Location: Muscat

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, you are free to leave at any time, as there are no activities planned today. If you would like to spend some more time in Muscat, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Optional Activities:
-Muscat- Snorkeling Trip (2 Hours) (10am-1pm)
-Muscat-Dolphin Watching Cruise (2 Hours) (8am-10am,10am-12pm)

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (5 nights), Heritage stay (1 night), Desert hotel (1 night)

  • Muscat - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

  • Muscat - Sidab Womens Corporation with Lunch

  • Ras Al Jinz - Turtle Reserve

  • Hawiyat Najim Park - Bimmah Sinkhole

  • Wadi Tiwi - Visit

  • Wadi Bani Khalid - Visit

  • Wahiba Sands – Desert Dune Sunset

  • Wahiba Sands - Bedouin family visit

  • Sur - Dhow factory visit

  • Jabrin - Fort visit

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Included Activities

  • Muscat - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
  • Muscat - Sidab Womens Corporation with Lunch
  • Ras Al Jinz - Turtle Reserve
  • Hawiyat Najim Park - Bimmah Sinkhole
  • Wadi Tiwi - Visit
  • Wadi Bani Khalid - Visit
  • Wahiba Sands – Desert Dune Sunset
  • Jabrin - Fort visit
  • Ibra - Old Village Walk
  • Misfat Al Abyreen - Village Walk
  • Al Hamra - Village Walk
  • Nizwa - Souq visit
  • Jebel Shams - Grand Canyon visit

Transport

  • Mini Bus , 4x4

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Mode of Transport

  • Please note that due to vehicle size of the 4x4, the group may be split over multiple vehicles and separated from the trip leader.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    When visiting a mosque, it's important to show respect by dressing appropriately, even in the heat. Women must cover their heads and chest, arms and legs must be entirely covered in loose-fitting clothing. Men also need to cover their arms and legs.

    4x4 vehicles are used on most parts of the trip as we travel around Oman. You will travel in convoy style and due to the configuration of the vehicles there may be times when you are not travelling with your leader. It is possible your driver will not speak English.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 09, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024
$3535

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 23, 2024
$3505

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 23, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024
$3375 $3206

Operator discount: -$169

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024
$3436 $3092

Operator discount: -$344

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
$3570

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
$3825

Monday - Monday

Dec 23, 2024 - Dec 30, 2024
$3545 $2836

Operator discount: -$709

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025
$3930

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 18, 2025
$3380

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 08, 2025
$3380

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025
$3380

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025
$3255

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
$3130

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$3130 $2974

Operator discount: -$156

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$3130 $2974

Operator discount: -$156

Saturday - Saturday

May 03, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$3130

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$3130

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$3130

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$3130

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$3130

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
$3255

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$3255

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$3255

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$3255

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025
$3255

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025
$3255

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025
$3380

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025
$3380

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026
$3380

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 03, 2026 - Jan 10, 2026
$3550

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026
$3550

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 24, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026
$3550

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
$3550

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 21, 2026
$3550

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 21, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026
$3415

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026
$3415

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
$3285

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026
$3285

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026
$3285

Saturday - Saturday

May 02, 2026 - May 09, 2026
$3285

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
$3285

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026
$3285

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
$3285

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
$3285

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 24, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
$3415

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026
$3415

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
$3415

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 21, 2026
$3415

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 21, 2026 - Nov 28, 2026
$3415

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 28, 2026 - Dec 05, 2026
$3415

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 12, 2026 - Dec 19, 2026
$3550

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 26, 2026
$3550

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 26, 2026 - Jan 02, 2027
$3550

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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